I know. There’s a headline you never expected to read on an alternative weekly paper’s blog the morning after its Christmas party, when everyone seems to be hung over to shit. But wait. Somebody’s actually written a serious article on ending drug prohibition over at the Wall Street Journal, this being repeal day. So, there may actually be merit to the argument! Ethan Nadelman argues that as this country falls into recession, there is no better time to consider the economic benefits of a potential repeal. Ah, lovely drugs. Lovely.
Matt Davis was news editor of the Mercury from 2009 to May 2010. More by Matt Davis
Why was there no liveblogging of the Holiday Party? I’m sure the photo ops would have been hilarious.
Ethan’s been the foremost advocate for legalization since having the Drug Policy Alliance set up by Gara LaMarche at Open Society, along with Peter Lewis and John Sperling.
Yet for all that cash, his work is based on a false premise – that easy access to drugs / alcohol will reduce the problems they cause.
This silly vortex of logic has captured thousands of intellectuals over the centuries, a history largely untold, but it has shaped and polarized our response to the damage done, our equally silly treatment system + remaining prohibition efforts, everything from the Coast Guard to poor Jeff Myers. Waggle that finger! Just say no.
And as Ethan points out, costs billions and ruins the lives of millions.
Graham – I do have a recording of Matt singing Carly Simon’s Nobody Does it Better. Can’t decide whether or not to post it…
Amy – DO IT.
Any serious student of Public Policy knows that legalizing drugs is the only way to go…
Even if I accept that there will be no reduction to any level of drug use by anyone, proponents of the status quo still must argue that imprisonment, gangs, CIA covert programs, loss of civil liberties, and all the money wasted is a fair exchange for a reduction in drug usage levels.
The only reason we believe in punishment for any drug users is because they are not our friends, loved ones, and children. Is it really so hard to extend our attitudes of forgiveness and tolerance to strangers?
It is too bad somebody chose to pick up the WSJ story. The reality isn’t “hey, look, the right wing is coming around” but rather “the right wing is still setting the agenda and framing the debate”.
Ethan Nadelman is a tool.
This is a wonderful opinion. The things mentioned are great and
needs to be appreciated by everyone.
Pharmacy Online